A MANX student has been working as a trainee with the Office of the President of the European Parliament in Brussels.
Carlos Phillips, a former head boy at Ramsey Grammar School who is in his final year as a law student, has been flying the flag of the Isle of Man while on the placement during his holidays.
He met President Jerzy Buzek MEP and had his picture taken with him with the Manx flag.
Carlos said: "I'm extremely fortunate to have been placed with the President's Cabinet.
"Not only has it been invaluable to my CV and employment prospects, but it's also been a real honour to represent the Isle of Man as the first Manx intern here, leading to many opportunities to answer questions about the Island and dispel common misconceptions - there seemed to be a genuine interest in our political status, people and culture."
Before going out to Brussels, Carlos was invited to visit Government Offices in Douglas for a briefing on the Island's EU relationship given by director of external relations Della Fletcher.
His post, as a 'Stagiaire' (French for trainee) is one frequently reserved for talented graduates and includes an access card for Parliament buildings, the opportunity to attend committees and political groups and to conduct research at the request of an assigned senior supervisor, in Carlos' case, the head of the president's cabinet administration Neils Fischer of the influential Green and European Free Alliance.
Whilst in Brussels Carlos took the opportunity to meet the Island's new director of European affairs and representative Patrick Bourke who manages the Isle of Man Government office in the city which is directly opposite the European Commission and Council.
Carlos added: "I'd really like to thank Della, along with her team of David Corlett and Carol Hunter for their friendly insight and encouragement just before I came out to Brussels and also Patrick Bourke at the Island's Brussels office, it's reassuring to know an outpost of home is so close - right at the heart of the EU."
As well as working in Brussels Carlos was also invited on a mission with the Cabinet to Strasbourg where members of the European Parliament meet to vote in their second home.
After graduating Carlos plans to take a Masters in International Law before qualifying as an advocate or working in European diplomacy.
